The Barbed Rose. Gail Dayton

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      Praise for Gail Dayton’s

       The Compass Rose

      “With unadulterated sensuality that practically ignites the pages and a fantasy quest that is as masterfully intricate as it is entertaining, Dayton’s The Compass Rose will absolutely blow away fans of romance-powered fantasy. In a word: wow!”

      –Barnes & Noble’s Explorations newsletter

      “Gail Dayton has created a world that is so colorful and vivid readers will feel they made an adventurous visit to this enchanting realm.”

      –The Best Reviews

      “The Compass Rose captured me from the first page…. Gail Dayton eloquently weaves a saga of unrequited love with the fear of rejection that haunts us all [and] cleverly and sagely reveals the heart and soul that unites a group of strangers into a family.”

      –Fallen Angel Reviews

      “Top Pick, 4–1/2 stars: Court intrigues and romantic interludes keep the plot moving at a brisk pace.”

      –Romantic Times BOOKclub

      GAIL DAYTON

      The Barbed Rose

      To April and Rhys.

       You make me proud.

       And to Jason, who does, too.

      CONTENTS

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      CHAPTER ONE

      CHAPTER TWO

      CHAPTER THREE

      CHAPTER FOUR

      CHAPTER FIVE

      CHAPTER SIX

      CHAPTER SEVEN

      CHAPTER EIGHT

      CHAPTER NINE

      CHAPTER TEN

      CHAPTER ELEVEN

      CHAPTER TWELVE

      CHAPTER THIRTEEN

      CHAPTER FOURTEEN

      CHAPTER FIFTEEN

      CHAPTER SIXTEEN

      CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

      CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

      CHAPTER NINETEEN

      CHAPTER TWENTY

      CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

      CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

      CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

      CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

      CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

      PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

      GLOSSARY

      Cast of Characters

      Kallista Varyl, Captain in the Adaran army, naitan of the North, lightning thrower, Godstruck of the One

      Torchay Omvir, Sergeant, Kallista’s bodyguard and godmarked ilias

      Stone Varyl vo’Tsekrish, former Tibran Warrior, godmarked ilias

      Fox Varyl vo’Tsekrish, former Tibran Warrior, fighting partner to Stone, godmarked ilias

      Aisse Varyl vo’Haav, Tibran woman, godmarked ilias

      Obed im–Shakiri, Southron trader, godmarked ilias

      Lorynda Varyl, twin infant daughter of Kallista and Torchay

      Rozite Varyl, twin infant daughter of Kallista and Stone

      Niona Varyl, infant daughter of Aisse and Fox

      Merinda Kyndir, Adaran East naitan healer

      Serysta Reinine, ruler of Adara, North naitan truthsayer

      Keldrey, Serysta’s bodyguard and reinas

      Leyja, Serysta’s bodyguard and reinas

      Ferenday, Serysta’s bodyguard and reinas

      Syr, Serysta’s bodyguard and reinas

      Gweric, Tibran male magic hunter

      Joh Suteny, former Adaran guard lieutenant, convict

      Viyelle Torvyll, Prinsipella of the Adaran prinsipality (province) of Shaluine and government courier

      Karyl & Kami Varyl, Kallista’s twin sisters by blood

      Sanda Torvyll, Prinsipas of Shaluine, Viyelle’s birth mother

      Saminda Torvyll, Prinsep of Shaluine, Viyelle’s aunt by blood and Second Mother

      Kendra Torvyll, Prinsipella of Shaluine, Viyelle’s sedil and cousin by blood

      Vanis Kevyr, Prinsipas of Shaluine, Viyelle’s birth father

      Mowbray Syndir, Prinsipella of Shaluine

      Tiray Syndir, Prinsipella of Shaluine

      Dessa Torvyll, Prinsipella of Shaluine

      Bella Torvyll, Prinsipella of Shaluine

      Huyis Uskenda, Adaran general in Ukiny

      Huryl Kovallyk, Serysta’s High Steward

      Domnia Varyl, founder of the Varyl bloodline, West naitan and prelate

      Kallandra, North naitan, military lightning thrower

      Miray, Kallandra’s bodyguard

      Tylle, Adaran guard lieutenant

      Elliane, East naitan healer

      Fenetta, North naitain farspeaker at Adaran court

      Omunda, Chief prelate of Arikon and Adara

      Oskina, Rebel leader

      Ashbel, Demon

      Ataroth, Demon

      Untathel, Demon

      Xibyth, Demon

      Tchyrizel, Demon

      Keqwith, Demon

      Khoriseth, Demon

      Zughralithiss, Demon

      CHAPTER ONE

      “Halt. Stand and identify yourself and your business.”

      Kallista Varyl, Captain Naitan of the Reinine’s Own, just recalled from extended leave, somehow managed to refrain from swearing. The guard at the Mountain Gate leading into Arikon was only doing his duty. He couldn’t know the urgency riding her.

      She saluted, snapped off her name and command. “I’ve been ordered to Arikon by the Reinine herself.” She handed over a copy of her orders.

      The guard’s eyes widened when he saw the seals and signatures on the paper, but still he blocked her path.

      Harnesses jangled as another in Kallista’s party pushed her way forward and saluted. “Courier Viyelle Torvyll, Prinsipella of Shaluine.” The courier began formally, then switched to a familiar, friendly tone as she addressed the guard. “You know me, Daltrey. You were standing duty here when I rode out to fetch the naitan back. This is Captain Varyl. These are her iliasti. I